On Your Side

Volume 2 Issue 1

Tips on Motorcycle Safety

By Christopher M. Pyne

Spring brings a renewed desire for many of us to get outside. Drivers of convertibles put their tops down and motorcycles take to the road. We drive with renewed vigor, purpose and speed. The result is increased numbers of accidents and even more close calls. Driver awareness is critical when motorcycles, trucks, cars and even bicycles share the roadways.

Most motorcycle/motor vehicle accidents occur when the motor vehicle operator fails to see the motorcyclist. Many occur as the vehicle turns left directly in front of the motorcycle or backs out of a driveway into the path of the cycle. Others occur at intersections as the driver of the car pulls out in front of the motorcyclist.

As the owner of a motorcycle, I know that it is incumbent on the motorcyclist to drive defensively. Those of us who own "loud" bikes rev the motor as we approach an intersection, not to annoy, but to warn approaching motorists to be alert to our presence. We may ride with our high beam headlight on to insure that our bikes are visible to oncoming traffic. There is also safety in numbers, so we ride with others for greater visibility as well as enjoyment.

Operators of motor vehicles must also be alert when driving near a motorcycle. Motorcycles are vulnerable to defects in the roadway and may make sudden evasive maneuvers to avoid dangerous hazards such as potholes, sand and gravel. Road construction and repaving may also cause motorcyclists to slow suddenly.

I have represented many motorcycle riders who have been injured. The injuries they suffer are usually serious and require hospitalization, surgery and rehabilitation. If you own a motorcycle you must be sure to carry proper and adequate insurance coverage. In addition to liability insurance, we recommend that you purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and collision protection and that you have a source of medical insurance.

Liability insurance protects you and your assets in the event you cause injury or property damage to another person. Under New Jersey law, you must carry at least $15,000 in coverage for any one person, and $30,000 for all persons, injured in an accident. You should also purchase additional liability coverage. This is particularly important due to the serious injuries a passenger on your motorcycle may suffer if you have an accident.

Uninsured and underinsured coverage (UM/UIM) protects you, and members of your family who live with you, in the event the liable party has no insurance or is inadequately insured for the injuries he causes. We recommend that you carry UM/UIM limits as high as your liability limits.

Collision and comprehensive provides coverage for damage to your motorcycle and compensates you if your bike is stolen. If you are like me and have added chrome and accessories to your bike, be sure you buy extra collision and comprehensive insurance and maintain records of work done on your bike.

Finally, always make certain to have some source of medical insurance that will pay for the care you might need.

If you are in a vehicular accident contact an attorney as soon as possible to learn about your rights and obligations. Your attorney should understand the complexities and nuances of the law and have experience in dealing with these types of cases.

Be aware, be vigilant and ride safely!

Did you know?

3/4 of all motorcycle accidents are with another vehicle; most of those are with passenger cars

1/4 of the accidents involve a motorcycle colliding with the roadway or fixed object

3% of accidents involve vehicle failure and most of those are tire blowouts

Most of the single vehicle accidents are the result of driver error

In the multi-vehicle accidents the other driver caused about 2/3 of the accidents

Most motorcycle accidents involve a short trip and occur within 5 minutes of home

92% of motorcyclists involved in accidents were self - taught or learn from family or friends

Many accidents involve riders with less than 5 months experience on the motorcycle

Many fatal accidents involve alcohol

Reprinted by permission of On Your Side from Stark & Stark, Volume 2 Issue 1